World distribution and habitat scope of Ameroseiidae (Acari: Mesostigmata)

Abstract

The mite family Ameroseiidae with 138 valid species is presently classified in the superfamily Ascoidea of the order Mesostigmata. Seventy-two species have been described based on type specimens and no report has been done since then, while the other 66 species have been frequently reported from around the world. The objective of this study is to provide information about distribution and habitat of the latter group, which are listed in twelve genera: Ameroseius (21 species), Kleemannia (15), Neocypholaelaps (8), Epicriopsis (7), Hattena and Sertitympanum (4 each), Ameroseiella (2), Afrocypholaelaps, Asperolaelaps, Brontispalaelaps, Pseudoameroseius and Sinoseius (1 each).